Admissions tutors at London's Kingston University are encouraging prospective undergraduates to ensure they are well prepared in case their A-level results bring unexpected news.

Dr Andy Homer, who oversees Kingston University's confirmation and Clearing operation, is urging students to research their degree options carefully. "Being well organised will be crucial to make sure you get the most out of your call to the Clearing hotline if you need to get in touch", Dr Homer said. "Having the right details, such as your Clearing number, UCAS ID and full details of qualifications to hand, including subjects, grades, dates obtained and exam boards, will be particularly vital."

Prospective students should not panic if they needed to enter the Clearing process, Dr Homer added. "Our operators are all handpicked and committed to ensuring that everyone who contacts the hotline has the opportunity to really explore the choices available to them," he said. "Many of them are even students themselves, so they understand just how nerve-racking A-level results day can be."

As they prepare to collect their A-level results, students should note down some universities and courses that interest them in case they miss out on the grades needed for their initial choices, Kingston's admissions staff advise. They should also check they meet the requirements of those courses and programme the Clearing hotline numbers of their chosen universities in to their phones so they have them at their fingertips if necessary.